CN1126526C - Directionally preferential waste passage member for use with disposable absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides absorbent articles having a first waist region, an opposite second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region. The absorbent article preferably has a liquid impermeable backsheet material, an absorbent core and directional preferential waste channeling members. The waste channeling member has a body-facing surface and an opposite garment-facing surface, at least a portion of the body-facing surface of the waste channeling member comprising a soluble material capable of dissolving when contacted by bodily exudates, thereby retaining the body exudates substantially away from the wearer. Direction of the skin through the waste channel piece. At least a portion of the garment-facing surface of the waste channeling member includes a barrier material that prevents penetration of bodily exudates in a second direction generally relative to the first direction. The waste activated barrier is preferably located in at least a portion of the crotch region of the absorbent article.

Description

Directional priority waste channel and disposable absorbent article having same

Technical field

The present invention relates to directional priority waste channeling elements which may be used alone or in combination with absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, etc. to reduce skin soiling by body excreted waste. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles comprising one or more waste channel elements which allow body exudates to pass through the member in one direction but restrict movement of exudates through the member in the opposite direction.

Background technique

The primary function of absorbent articles such as diapers and adult incontinence pants is to prevent body exudates from soiling, wetting or otherwise staining clothing or other articles such as bed sheets that come into contact with the wearer. In recent years, disposable diapers, such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,151,092 to Buell et al., have gained popularity and largely replaced durable cloth absorbent articles due to their convenience and reliability. However, despite the effectiveness of such disposable absorbent articles, body exudates often leak or are stored in the diaper, whereby the exudates soil and/or irritate the wearer's skin. Additionally, bodily exudates often adhere aggressively to the skin, making cleaning more difficult and increasing the likelihood of long-term residual staining.

The undesirable effects of leakage and/or abnormal soiling, difficult cleaning, and/or residual skin soiling are evident with fecal matter deposited into the diaper. Faeces contained in a diaper can damage the wearer's skin over a prolonged period of time and feces leaking out of the diaper is almost invariable representative of discomfort, soiling. Accordingly, several attempts have been made to add features to the diaper (eg, barriers, pockets, spacers, lateral barriers, etc.) to limit movement of fecal matter through the topsheet and/or to better limit fecal matter in the diaper. However, these attempts have generally been unsuccessful due to their cost and complexity. Several attempts have also been made to provide the topsheet with large apertures through which body waste can pass without resistance. (Apertures applied to the buttocks are disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application HEI2-31756 filed on July 22, 1988 and published on February 1, 1990.) However, since caregivers The use of this embodiment is difficult as the aperture must be properly aligned with the wearer's anus and/or urethra. Difficult job when diapering a lively baby or fitting underwear for someone themselves. Additionally, to be effective, the holes must remain in the correct position to some degree throughout the time the diaper is worn.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide an element that helps keep feces and other body exudates away from the wearer's skin. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide an economical disposable product that minimizes the adverse effects of feces or other bodily waste on the wearer or caregiver. It would also be advantageous to provide an article which can be used in conjunction with an absorbent article to pass body exudates in one direction but prevent them in the opposite direction. It would also be desirable to provide a barrier sheet that may be used in conjunction with a disposable, having apertures through which bodily exudates may pass, if desired, in response to bodily exudates expelled from the body. Finally, it is advantageous to provide a barrier sheet that is soluble by bodily exudates moving away from the skin, but prevents the passage of such exudates back towards the skin.

Contents of the invention

An absorbent article having a first waist region, an opposite second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region, the article comprising: a liquid impermeable backsheet material; a directional preferential waste channel A member having a body-facing surface and an opposing garment-facing surface, wherein at least a portion of the body-facing surface of the directional preferential waste passage member includes a soluble material capable of dissolving when contacted by bodily exudates, thereby allowing the body exudates to flow away from the garment. a first direction of the user's skin through a directional preferential waste passage member, at least a portion of the garment-facing surface of the directional preferential waste passage member comprising a barrier material that prevents body exudates from penetrating in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a waste-activated barrier member in at least a portion of the crotch region of the absorbent article; and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the oriented preferential waste passage member.

The absorbent article of the present invention further comprises a spacer located between the directional preferential waste passage member and the absorbent core, the spacer separating at least a portion of the directional preferential waste passage member away from the absorbent core when the article is worn.

Description of drawings

Although the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to designate the same components.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a diaper incorporating an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing the configuration it would have on a wearer.

Figure 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of a directional priority waste channel member of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the directional priority waste channel member shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a directional priority waste channel.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is an enlarged partial view of one embodiment of a directional priority waste channel member of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The term "absorbent article" as used herein refers to an appliance that absorbs and contains body exudates, and more specifically refers to a device that is placed on or adjacent to the wearer's body to absorb and contain exudates from the body. Utensils for various effluents. The terms "exudate" and "body waste" are used herein to mean urine, feces, blood, mucus, pus, oils, and combinations of these and other substances excreted from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe an absorbent article that is not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (i.e., to be discarded after use, preferably recycled, composted, or otherwise repurposed in an environmentally appropriate manner). handled in a tolerant manner). (The term "disposed" as used herein is used to indicate that an element of the diaper is formed (attached and positioned) in a specific space or position as an integral structure with other elements of the diaper or as a separate element attached to another element of the diaper ). The term "connected" as used herein includes configurations in which an element is directly connected to another element by directly securing the element to another element, and by securing the element to an intermediate piece which in turn is secured to the other element, A configuration in which an element is indirectly connected to another element. By "unitary" absorbent article is meant an absorbent article formed from separate parts which are joined together to form a coherent, unified whole, thereby eliminating the need for separate manual parts such as separate supports, pads and the like. A preferred embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention is a unitary disposable absorbent article, such as the diaper 20 shown in FIG. As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article typically worn on the lower extremities by infants and incontinent patients. The present invention is also applicable to other absorbent and non-absorbent articles such as incontinence pants, incontinence underwear, absorbent pads, diaper supports and pads, and feminine hygiene garments, wipes, such as tampons, menstrual pads and interlabial devices. Paper, mops, bandages.

1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in a flattened state, with portions cut away to more clearly show the construction of the diaper 20. Referring to FIG. The portion of the diaper 20 that faces the wearer is oriented toward the viewer. As shown in Figure 1, the diaper 20 preferably comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 24; a liquid impermeable backsheet 26; an absorbent core 28 preferably disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26; side panels 30; leg cuffs 32; elastic waist 34; and a fastening assembly generally designated 40. The diaper 20 is shown in Figure 1 having a first waist region 36, a second waist region 38 opposite the first waist region and a crotch region 37 between the first and second waist regions. The perimeter of the diaper 20 is defined by the outer edges of the diaper 20 with the longitudinal edges 50 extending generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline 100 of the diaper 20 and the end edges 52 extending between the longitudinal edges 50 generally parallel to the transverse centerline 110 of the diaper 20.

The main body 22 of the diaper 20 constitutes the main part of the diaper 20 . The main body 22 includes at least a portion of the absorbent core 28 and preferably includes the outer cover layers of the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 . If the absorbent article includes separate supports and spacers, the main body 22 typically includes the supports and spacers. (For example, the support may comprise one or more layers of material to form the outer cover of the article and the liner may comprise an absorbent assembly having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. In this case, the support and/or liner Fasteners may be included to keep the liner in place throughout use.) For unitary absorbent articles, the main body 22 comprises the main structure of the diaper, with other components added to form the composite diaper structure. Although the topsheet 24, backsheet 26, and absorbent core 26 can be combined in a variety of known configurations, preferred diaper configurations are generally described in the following patent: Kenneth B. Buell, issued January 14, 1975, entitled " Collapsible Side Sections for Disposable Diapers" US Patent 3,860,003; US Patent 5,151,092 issued September 9, 1992 to Buell; and US Patent 5,221,274 issued June 22, 1993 to Buell; and September 10, 1996 U.S. Patent 5,554,145 to Roe et al. entitled "Absorbent Article with Extensible Waist Member of Elastic-like Film Web of Multi-Zone Construction"; to Buell et al. on October 29, 1996 entitled "Disposable Pull-On 5,569,234 to Nease et al., issued Dec. 3, 1996, entitled "Zero Waste Process for the Production of Side Panels for Disposable Absorbent Articles"; and issued Aug. 20, 1997 in the name of Robles et al. Applied US Patent Application Serial No. 08/915,471 entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Multidirectionally Extensible Side Panels"; each patent is incorporated herein by reference.

The backsheet 26 is generally that portion of the diaper 20 disposed adjacent the garment-facing surface 45 of the absorbent core 28 that prevents exudates absorbed and contained therein from soiling articles that may contact the diaper 20, such as bed sheets and undergarments. In a preferred embodiment, the backsheet 26 is impermeable to liquids (e.g., urine) and comprises a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). film. Suitable backsheet films include those sold by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, IN and under the trade designations X15306, X10962 and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapor to escape from the diaper while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathable materials include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and materials such as ESPOIR NO produced by Mitsui Toatsu Co., Japan, and manufactured by EXXON Chemical Co., ofBay City, TX produces microporous films under the trade name EXXAIRE. A suitable breathable composite material comprising a polymer blend is available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH, under the designation HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathable composite materials are described in detail in PCT Application WO 95/16746, published June 22, 1995 in the name of E.I. DuPont, and in pending U.S. Patent Application No. 6, 1996 in the name of Curro Application 08/744487. Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in US Patent 5,571,096, issued November 5,1996 to Dobrin et al. These documents are incorporated herein by reference.

The backsheet 26, or any portion thereof, is elastically extensible in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet 26 may comprise a structural elastic-like film ("SELF") web. Structurally an elastic-like film web is an extensible material that exhibits elastic-like properties in the direction of elongation without the use of additional elastic material. A SELF web includes a deformable network with at least two continuous, distinct and dissimilar regions. Preferably, one region is configured to exhibit resistance to axial elongation applied parallel to the predetermined axis before a substantial portion of the other region exhibits significant resistance to applied elongation. At least one of the regions has a surface pathlength that is greater than the other regions when measured substantially parallel to the predetermined axis while the material is in an unstretched state. Regions exhibiting longer surface pathlengths include one or more deformations that extend beyond the plane of other regions. When subjected to applied elongation parallel to the predetermined axes, the SELF web exhibits at least two distinctly different states of controlled resistance to elongation along at least one predetermined axis. The SELF exhibits a first resistance to applied elongation until the elongation of the web is sufficient to bring a substantial portion of the area with the longer surface path into the plane of applied elongation, after which the SELF web exhibits a second resistance to further elongation. The total resistance to elongation is higher than the first resistance to elongation provided by the first region. SELF webs suitable for the present invention are more fully described in US Patent 5,518,801, entitled "Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Properties," issued May 21, 1996 to Chappell et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, the backsheet 26 may comprise elastomeric films, foams, strands, or combinations of these or other materials with nonwovens or synthetic films.

The backsheet 26 may be attached to the topsheet 24, absorbent core 28, or any other component of the diaper 20 by any attachment means known in the art. For example, the attachment means may include a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrangement of single lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. A preferred method of attachment involves an open pattern network of adhesive filaments as disclosed in US Patent 4,573,986, issued March 4, 1986 to Minetola et al., entitled "Disposable Waste Containing Garments." Other suitable means of attachment include several filaments of adhesive coiled in a helical pattern, as illustrated in the apparatus and method shown in U.S. Patent 3,911,173, issued October 7, 1975 to Sprague, Jr.; US Patent 4,785,996 issued November 22, 1978 to Ziecker et al; and US Patent 4,842,666 issued June 27, 1989 to Werennicz et al. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. Satisfactory binders already exist produced by the H.B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota and designated "HL-1620" and "HL-1358-XZP". Alternatively, the attachment means may include thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable attachment means known in the art or a combination of these attachment means.

The topsheet 24 is preferably positioned adjacent the body surface 47 of the absorbent core 28 and may be attached to the absorbent core and/or the backsheet 26 by any attachment means known in the art. Suitable attachment means for attaching the backsheet 26 of the diaper 20 to other elements are described above. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 are directly attached to each other at some locations and indirectly joined together by directly attaching the topsheet and backsheet to other elements of the diaper 20 at other locations.

The topsheet 24 is preferably compliant, soft to the touch and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Additionally, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is liquid permeable, allowing liquids to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 24 can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; porous plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (such as wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (such as polyester woven or nonwoven webs of polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the absorbent component comprises fibers, the fibers may be spunbonded, carded, wetlaid, meltblown, hydrolaid, or otherwise processed as is known in the art. A suitable topsheet 24 comprising a web of tear-length polypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Massachusetts, under the designation "P-8".

Suitable formed film topsheets are described in the following patents: U.S. Patent 3,929,135 entitled "Sorbent Structure with Tapered Capillaries" to Thompson on December 30, 1975; to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982 U.S. Patent 4,324,246 for "Disposable Absorbent Article with Deformation-Resistant Topsheet"; U.S. Patent 4,342,314 entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties" issued August 3, 1982 to Radel et al.; July 1984 U.S. Patent 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. on April 31, entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Presenting Matte Viewable Surface and Cloth-Like Feel"; and to Baird, entitled "Multilayer Polymer Films" US Patent 5,006,394. Other suitable topsheets 24 are made in accordance with US Patents 4,609,518 and 4,629,643, issued September 2, 1986, and December 16, 1986 to Curro et al., respectively, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. These formed films are available as "DRI-WEAVE" from The Procter & Gamble Compaay of Cincinnati, Ohio, and as "CLIFF-T" from Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana.

Preferably, the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic material or treated to be hydrophobic in order to isolate the wearer's skin from the liquid contained in the absorbent core 28 . If the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic material, preferably at least the upper surface of the topsheet 24 is treated to be hydrophilic so that liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly. This phenomenon reduces the likelihood that bodily exudates will flow off the topsheet 24 instead of being drawn through the topsheet 24 and absorbed by the absorbent core 28 . The topsheet 24 may be rendered hydrophilic by treating or incorporating surfactants into the topsheet. Suitable methods of treating the topsheet 24 with the surfactant include spraying the topsheet 24 material with the surfactant and immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed description of this treatment and hydrophilicity can be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,344, issued January 29, 1991, to Reising et al., entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Multiple Absorbent Layers," and U.S. Patent No. 4,988,344 issued January 29, 1991 to Reising et al. U.S. Patent 4,988,345, entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Rapidly Absorbent Absorbent Core," issued to Reising on March 29. A more detailed description of some suitable methods for incorporating surfactants into the topsheet can be found in US Statutory Invention Registration H1670, published July 1, 1997 in the name of Aziz et al. These references are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the topsheet 24 may comprise a hydrophobic apertured web or film. This can be accomplished by following method, namely removes the hydrophilization treatment step to topsheet 24 from the production process and/or applies hydrophobic treatment to topsheet 24, such as polytetrafluoroethylene compound like " SCOTCHGUARD " or as follows The hydrophobic lotion composition described above. In this embodiment, preferably the pores are large enough to allow aqueous liquids like urine to penetrate without significant resistance.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion as is known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions include those described in the patent entitled "Disposable Absorbent Topsheet Containing Emollients and Polyol Polyester Fixatives" to Roe on March 4, 1997. Articles" U.S. Patent 5,607,760; U.S. Patent 5,609,587 issued March 11, 1997 to Roe entitled "Diaper with Lotion Treatment Topsheet Comprising Liquid Polyol Polyester Emollient and Immobilizer"; U.S. Patent 5,635,191 entitled "Diapers with Lotion Treated Topsheets Containing Silicone Emollients" issued to Roe et al. on 3rd; US Patent 5,643,588. The lotion can be used alone or in combination with another agent for hydrophobic treatment as described above. The topsheet 24 may also include or be treated with an antimicrobial agent, some examples of which are disclosed in the PCT publication titled "Absorbent Articles Containing Antimicrobial Agents Containing Antimicrobial Agents in the Topsheet to Control Odor" on September 14, 1995 in the name of Theresa Johnson. Disclosed in WO95/24173. Additionally, the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, or any portion of the topsheet 24 or the backsheet 26 may be embossed and/or matte finished to have a more cloth-like appearance.

The absorbent core 28 may comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. The absorbent core 28 can be manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, "T" shaped, asymmetrical, etc.), and can comprise a variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles. Materials such as comminuted wood pulp commonly known as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers, including coformed polymers; chemically hardened, modified, or crosslinked cellulose fibers; weaves, including tissue wrap and tissue Laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gel materials; or any other known absorbent material or combination of these materials.

The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 28 can also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core or other absorbent structure can have regions of different thickness, gradients in hydrophilicity, gradients in superabsorbency, or lower average density and lower average Alternatively, one or more layers or structures may be included.) However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 should be compatible with the design load and intended use of the diaper 20.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as absorbent cores are described in US Patent 4,610,678, issued September 9, 1986 to Weisman et al., entitled "High Density Absorbent Structures"; issued June 16, 1987 U.S. Patent 4,673,402 to Weisman et al. entitled "Absorbent Article Having a Double Layer Core"; to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989 entitled "High Density Absorbent Member Having Low Density and Lower Weight Acquisition Zones" US Patent 4,834,735 issued to Angstadt on September 19, 1989 entitled "Absorbent Core with Powder Layer"; issued August 11, 1992 to Herron et al. Carboxylic Acid Crosslinked Woodpulp Cellulosic Fiber Absorbent Structure"; U.S. Patent 5,147,345, issued September 15, 1992 to Young et al., entitled "Highly Efficient Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Management"; issued in 1994 U.S. Patent 5,342,338 issued to Roe on August 30, 1993 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Articles for Low Viscosity Fecal Matter"; Materials and absorbent articles containing the same" U.S. Patent 5,260,345; "Thin-until-wet absorbent foam materials for aqueous body fluids and methods for making them" issued to Dyer et al. on February 7, 1995 and U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207 issued to DesMarais et al. on July 22, 1997, entitled "Hygroscopic Foam Material for Aqueous Liquids Made from High Internal Emulsions with Very High Water-to-Oil Ratio" Patent 5,625,222. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 can also include at least one elastic waist feature 34 to help provide improved fit and containment. The elastic waist member 34 generally elastically expands and contracts to dynamically fit the wearer's waist. The elastic waist feature 34 preferably extends at least longitudinally outwardly from at least one waist edge 62 of the absorbent core 28 and typically forms at least a portion of the end edges 52 of the diaper 20 . Disposable diapers are generally constructed with two elastic waist members, one waist member disposed in the first waist region 36 and the other waist member disposed in the second waist region 38 . In addition, although the elastic waist 34 or any of its constituent elements may comprise one or more separate elements attached to the diaper 20, the elastic waist 34 may be configured as other elements of the diaper 20 (such as the backsheet 26, the topsheet 24, or extension of the backsheet 26 and topsheet 24).

The elastic waist 34 can be constructed into a large number of different configurations included in: U.S. Patent 4,515,595 issued May 7, 1985 to Kievit et al; U.S. Patent 4,710,189 issued December 1, 1987 to Lash; US Patent 5,151,092, issued September 9, 1992 to Buell; and US Patent 5,221,274 issued June 22, 1993 to Buell. Other suitable waist configurations may include waist cover members, such as those described in US Patent 5,026,364, issued June 25, 1991 to Robertson and US Patent 4,816,025, issued March 28, 1989, to Foreman. All above-mentioned documents are hereby incorporated by reference.

The diaper 20 may also include a fastening assembly 40 . The fastening assembly 40 preferably maintains the first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38 in an overlapping configuration, thereby providing lateral stretch around the periphery of the diaper 20 to fit the diaper on the wearer. Fastening assembly 40 preferably includes strap joints and/or hook and loop fastening components, although any other known fastening means is generally acceptable. Some exemplary fastening assemblies are disclosed in the following patents: Buell, entitled "Tape Fastening Assembly for Disposable Diapers," issued November 19, 1974; Hirotsu et al., issued May 5, 1987 US Patent B14662875 for "Absorbent Article"; US Patent 4846815 issued to Scipps on July 11, 1989 entitled "Disposable Diaper with Improved Fastening Means"; issued to Nestegard on January 16, 1990 entitled US Patent 4,8894,060 for "Disposable Diaper with Improved Hook Fastener Portion"; US Patent 4,946,527, entitled "Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Fastener and Method of Making the Same," issued August 7, 1990 to Battrell; and US Patent 5,151,092, issued September 9, 1992 to Battrell; and US Patent 5,221,274 issued June 22, 1993 to Buell, previously cited herein. The securement assembly may also have means for supporting the article in the disposal configuration as disclosed in US Patent 4,963,140 issued October 16, 1990 to Robertson et al. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, opposite sides of the garment may be seamed or welded to form the pants. This uses the article as a pull-on diaper, such as training pants.

The diaper 20 may also include side panels 30 . When the diaper 20 is already loaded with exudates, the side panels 30 may be elastic or extensible due to the side panels 30 made of elastomers expanding and contracting the side panels of the diaper 20 by initially fitting the diaper 20 to fit. to the wearer and maintain this fit throughout the time of wear, providing further comfort and fit. Because the diaper 20 will "self-adjust" in wear even if the diaper user pulls one side panel 30 made of elastomer farther than the other side panels during application, the side panels 30 can also provide More effective diaper 20 applications.

Although the diaper of the present invention preferably has side panels 30 disposed in the second waist region 38, the diaper 20 may have side panels disposed in the first waist region 36 or disposed in both the first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38. 30 of the side panels. The side panels 30 may be configured in any suitable configuration. Examples of diapers having side panels made of elastic are disclosed in: U.S. Patent 4,857,067, issued August 15, 1989 to Wood et al., entitled "Disposable Diapers With Gathered Ears"; issued in 1983 US Patent 4,381,781 issued May 3, 1990 to Sciaraffa; US Patent 4,938,753 issued July 3, 1990 to Van Gompel et al; U.S. Patent 5,221,274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1997; U.S. Patent 5,669,897 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Continuous Dynamic Fit" issued to Lavon et al. on September 23, 1997; US Patent Application No. 08/155,048, entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Multidirectionally Extensible Side Panels," in the name of Robles et al.; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 also preferably includes leg cuffs 32 which provide improved containment of liquids and body exudates. Leg cuffs may also be referred to as leg straps, side wings, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs. US Patent 3860003 describes a disposable diaper with retractable leg openings having side flaps and one or more elastic members to provide leg cuffs (pad cuffs) made of elastomer. U.S. Patents 4,808,178 and 4,909,803 issued to Aziz et al. on February 28, 1989 and March 20, 1990, respectively, describe disposable diapers with "stand-up" side flaps (barrier cuffs) made of elastomer that improve the Containment in the leg area. US Patents 4,695,278 and 4,795,454, issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987 and to Dragoo on January 3, 1989, respectively, describe disposable diapers having dual cuffs, including a liner cuff and a barrier cuff. In some embodiments, as described above, it may be desirable to treat all or a portion of the leg cuff with lotion.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include pockets for receiving and containing waste, spacers for providing clearance for waste, barriers to limit movement of waste within the article, compartments or voids for receiving and containing waste material deposited in the diaper etc., or any combination of them. Examples of pouches and spacers for absorbent products are described in: U.S. Patent No. 5,514,121, issued May 7, 1996 to Roe et al., entitled "Diaper with Discharge Spacer"; December 15, 1992 U.S. Patent 5,171,236 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article with Core Spacer" issued to Dreier et al.; U.S. Patent 5,397,318 entitled "Absorbent Article with Pouch Closure" issued to Dreier on March 14, 1995; U.S. Patent 5,540,671 issued to Dreier on July 30, 1996, entitled "Absorbent Article with Pouch Closing with Vertices"; published on December 3, 1993, entitled "Separator and PCT Application WO 93/25172, "Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Spacers"; and US Patent 5,306,266, entitled "Flexible Spacers for Use in Disposable Absorbent Articles," issued April 26, 1994 to Freeland. Examples of compartments or voids are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,968,312, issued Apr. 6, 1990 to Khan, entitled "Disposable Diaper with Stool Compartment"; US Patent 4,990,147, "Absorbent Article with Elastic Liner for Waste Material Sequestration"; US Patent 562,840, issued to Holt et al. on November 5, 1991, entitled "Disposable Diapers"; and on December 14, 1993 Titled "Three-Part Topsheet for Disposable Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles with the Three-Part Topsheet" awarded to Freeland et al. Examples of suitable lateral barriers are described in: U.S. Patent No. 5,554,142, issued September 10, 1996 to Dreier et al. entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Multiple Efficient Height Lateral Portions"; PCT Application WO 94/14395, entitled "Absorbent Articles with Upright Transverse Portions," published in the name of Freeland et al. on 7th; Articles" US Patent 5,653,703. All documents cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article 20 includes directional preferential waste channeling elements 60 or "waste channeling elements"60. The waste channel member 60 will help reduce the amount of feces, urine or other body waste excreted by the wearer that contacts or soils the wearer's skin. Reduced skin contact and soiling is a result of the passage of body exudates through the waste channel member 60 away from the skin. The waste channel member 60 acts as a barrier through its thickness for waste to return towards the wearer.

In particular, waste channel member 60 preferably has a body-facing surface 62 and an opposing garment-facing surface 64 . At least a portion of body-facing surface 62 includes one or more soluble materials 66 capable of being dissolved by substances normally present in human or mammalian bodily waste. Preferably, the inclusion of waste soluble matter in the body facing surface 62 provides structural integrity to the waste channeling member 60 . During excretion, bodily waste dissolves a portion of the waste channel 60, thereby eliminating the structural integrity of at least a portion of the waste channel 60 (preferably in the contact zone between the waste and waste channel 60) to allow waste to pass through. ,.

Various properties of bodily exudates can trigger or initiate dissolution of material 66, including, but not limited to, humidity, pH, enzymes, temperature, pressure, chemicals (eg, salts, proteins), and the like. Dissolution of the waste channeling member 60 allows bodily exudates to pass through the thickness of the waste channeling member in a direction away from the wearer's skin. Additionally, at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 64 of the waste channeling element 60 preferably includes a barrier material that resists wetting and/or penetration by bodily exudates. Thus, once exudates have passed through waste channeling member 60, in at least a portion of waste channeling member 60 that is not initially dissolved by waste, exudates are kept away from the wearer's skin due to the resistive properties of the barrier material.

The waste channel member 60 may comprise any suitable hygroscopic or non-hygroscopic material and may assume any number of configurations. For example, any portion of the waste channel member 60 may comprise films, webs, scrims, screens, foams, laminates of these or other structures, and the like. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the waste channel member 60 includes only soluble material 66 . In another embodiment, the waste channel member 60 includes insoluble elements, such as fibers, filaments, etc., held together by a soluble material 66 . (The term "insoluble" as used herein refers to materials that do not dissolve when contacted by bodily waste or other materials that will dissolve waste soluble member 66.) In these embodiments, the dissolution of soluble material 66 enables The structure of the waste channel member 60 breaks down (eg, the insoluble elements are no longer held together by the soluble material 66). In another embodiment, waste channel member 60 includes a web of insoluble material 86, an example of which is shown in FIG. (As used herein, "reticulated" material refers to any material that includes cells, holes, holes, or voids that extend through the thickness of the material in any repeating or non-repeating pattern. Cells are not limited to Any particular size or shape.) The mesh insoluble member 86 includes compartments 88 or holes through which bodily waste can pass. In the present invention, at least some of the compartments 88 preferably have soluble material 66 disposed therein. Thus, when exposed to bodily waste, the soluble material 66 disposed in the compartment 88 dissolves and opens the compartment 86 for passage of bodily waste. Some or all of the compartments 88 may also include a waste blocking substance 68 to prevent bodily waste from passing through the compartments towards the wearer's skin. Suitable web structures for use with dissolvable material 66 include apertured films, scrims, nets, woven or nonwoven webs, foams, and the like.

In any embodiment, the soluble material 66 should have easy access to the effluent deposited on the body-facing surface 62 of the waste channeling member 60 . Suitable water soluble materials include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohols, cellulosic materials, starches, polyvinylanilines, polyacrylamides, alginates, water soluble alkyd compounds, and derivatives of these materials. Some examples of suitable polyvinyl alcohol films are available from Hoechst AG, of Frankfurt, Germany under the trade names "ALCAM" and "AQUAFILM". In preferred embodiments, the film may be between about 0.001 and about 0.5 mm thick and more preferably between about 0.05 and about 0.08 mm thick. However, any portion of the waste channel member 60 may be of a different thickness and/or composition to have desired properties including, but not limited to, strength, breathability, opacity, and dissolution rate.

The soluble material 66 described above may optionally be pH sensitive. As used herein, the term "pH sensitive" refers to a material that is insoluble in a particular pH range, but soluble in other pH ranges. As such, the soluble material 66 may have a pH threshold. The "pH threshold" of a soluble material is the pH at which the material changes from soluble to insoluble (or vice versa). For example, the soluble material 66 is substantially insoluble at a pH less than 6, but soluble at a pH greater than 6. Therefore, the pH critical value of this material is pH 6. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pH cutoff of the soluble material is preferably between about 5 and about 9, and preferably between about 5.5 and about 8.5, although other pH cutoffs are contemplated. The change in pH can be the cause and trigger for the dissolution of the soluble material 66 or can also be used to help increase or decrease the rate of dissolution of the waste channel member 60 . Thus, the performance of the waste channel member 60 varies depending on, for example, the type and amount of waste deposited on the article. Exemplary pH sensitive, soluble materials are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyacrylamides, phthalate derivatives, setting gels, shellac, keratin, cellulose derivatives (eg, oxidized cellulose), and polyacrylic acid derivatives. Other preferred pH-sensitive soluble materials include cellulose acetate phthalate, polyvinyl alcohol acetate, vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, hydroxyprolylmethyl Cellulose phthalate, and polymethacrylate blended with acrylic acid and acrylate copolymers. However other pH-sensitive, soluble materials are described in European Patent Publication EP612520A2 entitled "PH-Stimulated Osmotic Burst Delivery Device", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary pH-sensitive dissolvable films can be produced by applying to a surface a thin layer of an acetone solution containing approximately 4.8% by weight polyvinyl methacrylate (PMMA), such as "V920" (available from Rohm Haas Co. , of Philadelphia, PA) and 19.0% by weight of "EUDAAAGITS-100" (a pH sensitive material available from Creanova, Inc. of Somerset, NJ), the solution was dried until it formed a film and the film was removed from the surface. Of course, the ratio of EUDRAGITS-100 to PMMAV920 can be varied, for example, from about 95:5 to about 40:60 or as desired. The film is believed to have a pH threshold of about 6.5-7.5, above which the film is water soluble and below which the film is substantially insoluble. Another pH sensitive film can be employed comprising about 1.8% by weight cellulose acetate in acetone, such as 398-10 from Eastman Chemical Co. of Kingsport, TN, and about 4.2% by weight cellulose acetate A solution of salt phthalate, such as CD-910 available from FMC Corp. of Chicago, IL. The membrane is believed to have a pH threshold of about pH 6.0 to about 7.0. As noted above, the ratio of the composition components can be varied as desired, but is preferably between about 95:5 and about 40:60.

Soluble material 66 may also be salt concentration sensitive (eg, more soluble around low ionic strength or high ionic strength). As such, the soluble material 66 may have a salt concentration (ie, ionic strength) threshold. A "salt concentration threshold" for a soluble material is the salt concentration at which the material changes from soluble to insoluble (or vice versa). For example, in a preferred embodiment, soluble material 66 may be substantially insoluble in distilled water (ie, substantially zero salt concentration), but soluble in saline water. Therefore, the salt concentration threshold for this material is just above zero. Exemplary materials of this type of salt concentration solubility sensitivity include polyvinyl alcohol materials, such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,258,849 and 4,245,744, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the soluble material 66 is soluble in distilled water but insoluble in ion-containing water. Exemplary materials with this salt concentration relationship include crown ethers, which are available from Fluka of Buchs, Switzerland as Benzo 15-Crown Ether-5 (Cat. No. 12335), Benzo 15-Crown Ether-6 (Cat. No. 12338), 15-Crown Ether-5 (Cat. No. 28123), and 15-Crown-6 (Cat. No. 28125) were obtained. It is preferred that these crown ethers are cross-linked so that crystalline-based films are formed. Changes in the salt concentration may be the cause and trigger for the dissolution of the soluble material 66, or may also help to increase or decrease the rate at which the waste channel member 60 dissolves. Thus, the performance of the waste channel member 60 varies depending on factors such as the type and amount of waste deposited on the article.

Soluble material 66 may also be temperature sensitive (eg, be more soluble at lower or higher temperatures). As such, the soluble material 66 may have a temperature threshold. A "threshold temperature" for a soluble material is the temperature at which the material goes from insoluble (or solid) to soluble (or at least partially liquid) (or vice versa). For example, in a preferred embodiment, the soluble material 66 may be substantially insoluble (i.e., solid) in cold water (e.g., below 35 degrees Celsius), but soluble (i.e., at least partially liquid) in warm water. ),vice versa. Therefore, the temperature critical value for this material is 35 degrees Celsius. Exemplary materials that undergo a solid to liquid transition with increasing temperature include waxes, gels, pectins. Alternatively, the soluble material 66 is soluble in cold water, but insoluble at warmer temperatures. Exemplary materials of this temperature dependence include NIPAM (n-isopropyl polyacrylamide), available from Jarchem Industries of Newark, NJ. The change in temperature may be the cause or trigger for the dissolution of the soluble material 66, or may also be used to help increase or decrease the rate at which the waste channel member 60 dissolves. Thus, the performance of the waste channel member 60 varies depending on factors such as the type and amount of waste deposited on the article.

In another embodiment, dissolution of the soluble material 66 may be triggered by enzymatic activity. For example, enzymes present in the product can affect temperature, salt concentration in the product, pH changes in conjunction with hydrolysis of bodily waste, which in turn facilitate dissolution of soluble parts66 (e.g., a mixture of urease and urea liberates ammonia, resulting in an increase in pH ). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4 , a hydrolyzable matrix 84 capable of being hydrolyzed by fecal enzymes may be placed on or adjacent to the body-facing surface 62 of the waste channeling member 60 . When the fecal enzymes hydrolyze the hydrolyzed matrix 84, the hydrolyzed matrix can affect the temperature, salt concentration in the article, pH changes, which can stimulate the dissolution of the soluble material 66 as a result. Suitable substrates for hydrolysis include keratin, collagen, starch and triglycerides, urea, and other substrates commonly found in feces and known for enzymes. Enzymes that are present in bodily waste or that can affect pH changes in waste when in contact with hydrolysis matrix 84 disposed on waste channel member 60 include, but are not limited to, proteases, lipases, ureases, and the like. In other embodiments, enzymatic activity may effect other chemical or mechanical changes in any portion of the waste channeling member 60, thereby allowing the waste channeling member 60 to allow passage of bodily waste. In any event, the pH change caused by the enzymatic activity not only stimulates dissolution, but also helps to increase or decrease the rate at which waste channel member 60 dissolves.

In another embodiment, the waste channeling member 60 may include an enzymatically degradable material 82 that provides structural integrity to the waste channeling member 60 until hydrolyzed by enzymes present in bodily waste. For example, at least a portion of the waste channeling member 60 may include a collagen film or glue (or other proteinaceous material) that provides the structural integrity of the waste channeling member 60 . When hydrolyzed by proteases present in feces (such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, etc.), the structure of the enzymatically degradable member 82 loses its integrity and thus forms a channel for bodily waste in at least a direction away from the wearer's skin .

At least a portion of the garment-facing surface 64 of the waste channel element 60 preferably also includes a barrier material. As noted above, the barrier material will prevent bodily waste that has passed through the body passage member 60 from returning through the waste passage member 60 and staining the wearer's skin. Thus, the barrier material may comprise any one or more materials that resist, repel, or completely block the passage of bodily wastes towards the wearer's skin. The barrier material may be placed on all or any portion of the garment surface 64 of the waste channel element 60 . Additionally, the barrier material may be incorporated into the waste channel member 60 or may be separately affixed to any other portion of the waste channel member 60 . Some non-limiting examples of barrier materials include silicone oils or waxes, polytetrafluoroethylene coatings, petroleum based waxes, and greasy products such as petrolatum, silicone polymers (silicones), and the like. These barrier materials may be provided in the form of liquids, solids, or semi-solids, waxes, powders, fibers, etc., or any other structure or substance capable of imparting barrier properties, etc. known methods. Examples of suitable barrier materials include silicone oils, available from Dow Corning, Midland, MI, under trade designations #200, #749, and #1401, and Dow Corning silicone waxes, such as #2503. Additional suitable barrier materials include any skin care composition or ingredients of such compositions, as described below. Coating levels of this silicone oil have been found to be suitable in the range of 0.001 to 1 g/ ^cm2 . For example, #1401 DowCorning oil can be applied to the surface of a PVA film at ^an add-on level of 0.06 g/cm and then allowed to air dry for 3 days to form a suitable barrier.

In addition to the barrier material, waste channeling member 60 may include one or more body bonding compositions 80 that hold waste channeling member 60 proximate to the wearer's skin. This body adhesive composition 80 is integral with the material forming the waste channeling element 60, or may be a separate material placed directly or indirectly on all or any portion of the waste channeling element 60. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the body adhesive composition 80 is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the perimeter 85 of the waste channeling member 60 . However, embodiments are also contemplated in which the body adhesive composition 80 is positioned away from the perimeter 85 . The body adhesive composition 80 may be placed on the waste channel member 60 in any pattern or configuration including, but not limited to, lines, strips, dots, and the like.

Body-adhering composition 80 may include any one or more substances that are capable of releasably adhering to the skin of a wearer. Additionally, the body adhesive composition 80 may be in the form of a gel, lotion, film, web, or the like. Examples of suitable body adhesive compositions include adhesives as described below, gels, petroleum products, waxes such as silicon or petroleum waxes, silicones, greases (oils) such as silicon or petroleum based oils, etc., skin Nursing compositions or components thereof and the like. Suitable binders include, but are not limited to, hydrogel or hydrocolloid binders such as acrylic-based polymer binders and the like. (Some exemplary hydrogel and/or hydrocolloid binders are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,231,369; 4,593,053; 4,699,146; 4,738,257; "Medical adhesives" compatible with biological tissue such as skin. Acrylic medical adhesives suitable for use in the body adhesive composition 80 are available from AdhesiveReasearch, Inc. of Glen Rock, PA, under the designations MA-46, MA-3112, "MTTM" High MVTR, and AS-17 adhesive . Rubber-based medical adhesives such as SB-2 available from Adhesive Research, Inc. are suitable. Other exemplary adhesives include Dow Corning Medical Adhesive (Type B) available from Dow Corning, Midland, MI; "Medical Adhesive" available from Hollister Inc., of Libertyville, IL; available from 3M Corp. of St. 3M Spray Adhesives #79, 76, 77, and 90 available from Paul, MN; and "MATISOL" Liquid Adhesive from Ferndale Laboratories of Ferndale, MI. Other medical adhesives are described in U.S. Patents 4,078,568; 4,140,115; 4,192,785; 4,393,080; 4,505,976; The disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference. However, another exemplary binder comprising (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and a multifunctional amine-containing polymer is disclosed in WO94/13235A1. (The disclosures of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference.) Body attachment means that may be used in the above-mentioned places or in places other than the above-mentioned places include electrostatic, suction and the like. In some instances, it is preferred that the body adhesive composition 80 is vapor permeable (ie, breathable), compatible with, and otherwise substantive to the skin.

In a preferred embodiment as described in pending EPO applications 97110730.5 and 97120336.9 (both incorporated herein by reference), the removal of the body adhesive composition from the skin is relatively painless. In these embodiments, the body adhesive or body adhesive composition has an elastic modulus, abbreviated C' ₃₇ , at a temperature of 37°C (100°F); Amount, abbreviated as G” _37. The binder also has a dynamic elastic property defined as ΔG' ₃₇ , which is the difference between C' ₃₇ at a frequency of 100 rad/s and C' ₃₇ at a frequency of 1 rad/s and a dynamic elastic property defined as ΔG' ₃₇ , which is the difference between G" ₃₇ at a frequency of 100 rad/s and G" ₃₇ at a frequency of 1 rad/s. In addition, the body adhesive preferably satisfies the following above conditions.

_C'37 (1 rad/sec) is in the range of about 1500 Pa to 20000 Pa, preferably in the range of about 1500 Pa to about 15000 Pa, most preferably in the range of about 3000 Pa to about 10000 Pa.

G" ₃₇ (1 rad/sec) is in the range of about 100 Pa to 15000 Pa, preferably in the range of about 100 Pa to about 10000 Pa, most preferably in the range of about 300 Pa to about 5000 Pa.

The ratio of C' ₃₇ (1 rad/sec)/G" ₃₇ (1 rad/sec) is in the range of about 3 to 30.

Ratio C' ₃₇ (100 rad/s) - G" ₃₇ (100 rad/s)

C' ₃₇ (1 rad/sec)-G" ₃₇ (1 rad/sec) is not less than about 0.5, preferably in the range of about 0.7 to 3, most preferably in the range of about 1 to about 1.8.

Either the ratio of _ΔG'37 / _G'37 (1 rad/s) is not greater than about 1.5, preferably not greater than about 0.8, or _ΔG'37 is not greater than about 10000 Pa, preferably less than 5000 Pa, most preferably less than about 2000 Pa, or both.

At least for the ratio _C'37 /G" ₃₇ in the frequency range of about 1 rad/sec to 100 rad/sec, at any point in the frequency cycle, it should preferably be about 3.3 or more, more preferably greater than 5 or more , most preferably about 10 or more but not more than about 50 (preferably about 30).

In order to obtain the desired properties, the body adhesive composition may comprise from 0.5 to 20%, preferably from 5% to 15%, by weight of the macromolecular polymeric material or material soluble or swellable in the plasticizers mentioned below. As a non-limiting example, such macromolecular or polymeric substances may be natural and/or synthetic compulsions such as natural gum and its derivatives, such as natural gum and gelatin derivatives, its derivatives and alginic acid salt; polyacrylic acid; polyvinyl alcohol; polyethylene oxide; polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyvinyl ether, its copolymers and derivatives; cellulose derivatives; block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers and Preferred styrene block copolymers and more preferred hydrogenated graded styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene (SEBS), styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS), and styrene/ethylene-propylene / Styrene (SEPS). Additionally, the preferred body adhering composition may comprise from 45 to 99.5% by weight of the plasticizing substance or mixture of plasticizing substances, preferably from 51 to 99.5% by weight, which is liquid at room temperature. As non-limiting examples, plasticizers may be water, various alcohols (particularly similar to glycerol), 1,2-ethylene glycol and its ethers, polyethylene glycol, liquid polybutene, esters (such as ortho phthalates, adipic acid, stearates, palmitate, quibacates, or myristates), natural or synthetic oils (such as vegetable oils, mineral oils, or combinations of these). In addition, body adherents may constitute from 0% to 5% by weight of the tackifying resin composition, preferably from 0% to 60% by weight of the macromolecular composition of the tackifying resin, the main range of tackifying resins being especially those based on synthetic polymerization. Tg is dealt with in the components of the material. The preferred body adhesive also comprises 0 to 10% by weight of the substance, more preferably 0 to 5%, to facilitate and stabilize the colloid and gel-forming process of the hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquid plasticizer. These can be used in oleaginous systems such as _C8 to _C22 fatty acids, their metal salts and their polyoxo derivatives; lanolin derivatives; silica; bentonite, montmorillonite and their derivatives; polyamides, waxes or a mixture thereof.

Common additives known in the art, such as preservatives, antioxidants, anti-ultraviolet agents, pigments, mineral fillers, rheology modifiers, etc., can also account for 10% each. In addition, when chemical cross-linking is formed in the system, the cross-linking agent preferably accounts for 5% by weight. Chemical crosslinks can also be formed by mutual neutralization of polymers with different functional groups due to the reaction between polyacrylic acid and polysaccharide.

Suitable skin care compositions that can be used as, in conjunction with, or in place of body adhesive compositions, including those approved by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FAD) Active substances in Schedule I as defined in the final rule monograph on the interim final rule for over-the-counter human skin protection drugs, which currently include: allantoin, aluminum hydroxide gel, zinc ointment, cocoa butter, polydimethyl Silicones, Cod Liver Oil (combined), Glycerin, Kaolin, Petrolatum, Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Shark Glycerin, White Petrolatum, Talc, Topical Starch, Zinc Acetate, Zinc Carbonate, Zinc Oxide, and more. Other potentially useful materials are active substances in Schedule III as defined by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FAD) Interim Final Rule for Use in Over-the-Counter Human Skin Protective Drug Products, which currently include: live yeast cell derivatives, Allantoin hydroxyaluminum (aldioxa), aluminum acetate, microporous cellulose, cholecalciferol, colloidal oat flour, cysteine hydrochloride, panthenol, Peruvian balsam oil, protein hydrolyzate, racemic thionine , sodium bicarbonate, vitamin A and so on. Most FDA-regulated skin care ingredients are currently used in commercially available skin care products such as "A AND D" ointment, "VASELINE" petrolatum, "DESITIN" diaper rash ointment and daily care ointment, "GOLDBOND" medicated baby powder, "AQUAPHOR" Therapeutic Ointment, "BABY MAGIC" Baby Body Lotion, "JOHNSON'S ULTRA SENSITIVE" Baby Cream, Johnson's Baby Body Lotion, Lip Gloss and more. Other suitable skin care compositions (eg, body lotions) are described in US Patent 5,643,588; US Patent 5,607,760; US Patent 5,609,587; and US Patent 5,635,191; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The skin care composition may also include (fecal chemical regulators), pH control agents, enzyme inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, odor absorbers (such as cyclodextrin or activated charcoal), or antimicrobial agents. Examples of enzyme inhibitors include protease inhibitors (eg, hexamidine derivatives), lipase inhibitors (eg, triacetin), urease inhibitors, and the like. Citric acid is an example of a suitable proton donating pH control agent. In a preferred embodiment, the skin care composition comprises about 57% by weight of petrolatum, about 42% by weight of stearyl alcohol, and about 1% by weight of aloe extract, and the composition is formulated at about 5 mg/ The addition of square centimeters was applied to the outer 1 centimeter of waste channel member 60 .

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the waste channel member 60 is permanently attached to an absorbent article such as a diaper 20. Although the waste channeling element 60 can be positioned anywhere within or on the diaper 20, it is preferably positioned such that at least a portion of the waste channeling element 60 is disposed in the crotch region 37. The waste channeling member 60 is also preferably configured such that at least a portion of the waste channeling member 60 is in intimate contact with the skin of the wearer during use. Thus, the waste channeling member 60 may be positioned adjacent the body-facing surface 47 of the core 28 . If the diaper 20 includes a topsheet 24, the waste channeling element 60 is preferably positioned on top of the topsheet 24, or outwardly from the topsheet 24 and towards the wearer's body. This configuration will ensure that the topsheet 24 does not interfere with the movement of bodily waste through the waste channel member 60 . Alternatively, the waste channel member 60 may be positioned beneath the topsheet 24 or between the topsheet and the core 28 or other underlying structure. In other embodiments, the waste channeling member 60 may be an integral part of the topsheet 24 or any other portion of the diaper, such as cuffs, lateral barriers, pockets or the like. In any event, it is preferred to construct such a waste channel such that it is separated from the underlying structure of the diaper by a void and/or spacer or component. A void 90, such as that shown in FIG. 2, can increase the efficiency of the waste channeling member 60, and thus the efficiency of the diaper 20, by providing a location for waste to be stored and/or secured away from the wearer's skin. Gap 90 may be formed by any known element or device, including elastic or corrugated elements that shorten waste channel 60, or spacer elements that provide a structure that physically separates interior 20 portions of diaper 20 (including the above). mentioned in the text). A structure that leaves at least a portion of the waste channeling member 60 free from attachment under the diaper 20 in at least a portion of the crotch region 37 is desirable.

As noted above, the waste channeling element 60 may be positioned anywhere on the diaper 20 and may be integral with or attached to any portion of the diaper, such as the topsheet 24. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the waste channeling element 60 is a separate element from the topsheet 24 and is disposed outwardly from the topsheet 24 towards the wearer's skin in use. The waste channel member 60 extends from the first waist region 36 through the crotch region 37 to the second waist region 38 . Preferably, the waste channel member 60 is connected about its perimeter 85, most preferably at least one waist region. As shown in FIG. 2, the waste channeling member 60 may be attached to the understructure of the diaper 20 at the first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38. As shown in FIG. In other embodiments, the waste channel member 60 may form, or be connected to, or be integral with one or more barrier leg cuffs, lateral barriers, waste pockets or any other element or any other structure of the diaper 20 . In any event, the waste channeling member 60 is positioned such that at least a portion of the member is adjacent the anus, urethra, and/or vagina of the wearer when the diaper is worn.

If the waste channeling member 60 is attached to any portion of the diaper 20, it may be continuously or intermittently attached to the underlying structure of the diaper. Additionally, the waste channel member 60 may be permanently attached, or may be releasably or refixedly attached to the diaper 20 . Suitable permanent attachment means include, but are not limited to, adhesives, heat, pressure, laser, sonic, electromagnetic bonding, combinations of these, or any other known bonding means. Suitable loosening or refastening attachment means include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, clasps, clips, magnetic bonding, electrostatic bonding, and the like.

The waste channel member 60 may also include one or more holes, cutouts, slits, perforations and/or weakened areas to facilitate penetration of waste material. Additionally, the dissolution rate of the soluble material 66 can be increased by reducing the strength and thickness of the soluble material 66 or by increasing the effective surface area of the soluble material (i.e., by roughening, scoring, perforating, or slitting it). ). Other known mechanical and/or chemical modifications can be made to the waste channel member 60 to have any other desired properties, including but not limited to strength, breathability, cohesiveness, penetrability, tactile and aesthetics.

It may also be desirable to provide a portion or all of the waste channel member 60 with elastic or stretch properties. For example, a portion of the waste channeling member 60 may include an elastic band that gathers (shortenes) the waste channeling member 60 and holds the elastic band close to the wearer's skin in use. Elastic materials can be elastic all of the time or only before or after specific mechanical or chemical inputs. For example, the waste channeling member 60 may comprise a heat-creped water-activated elastic that gathers the waste channeling member 60 after being subjected to heat and water, respectively. Accordingly, embodiments are conceivable in which the waste channel member 60 lays flat along the topsheet 24 (if present), core 28, or other underlying structure until worn or until the wearer voids to activate the elastomer and shorten the waste channel. 60 pieces of bodily waste so far. Alternatively, the body waste channeling member 60 itself may comprise an elastic or extensible material, or may be fabricated to have elastic-like stretch properties. Suitable methods for providing elastic-like stretch properties to inelastic materials are described in the above-mentioned US Patent No. 5,518,801, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment of the disposable absorbent article described herein, the waste channel member 60 can be a separate structure that can be used with or independently of a containment article such as a diaper, an adult incontinence device, a sanitary napkin, a diaper coverings etc. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , waste channel member 60 may comprise a single material having body surface 62 and garment surface 64 . At least a portion of body surface 62 preferably includes body waste soluble material 66, as described above. That is, at least a portion of the body surface 62 will dissolve when contacted by certain bodily waste, thereby allowing the waste to pass through the waste channeling member 60 away from the wearer's skin. As with the embodiments described above, at least a portion of the garment surface 64 includes a barrier material that resists or prevents the movement of waste back through the waste channeling member 60 toward the wearer's skin.

If not integral with an article such as a diaper, it is important for the waste channel member 60 to have some structure to keep itself in close proximity to the wearer's body. It is preferred that the waste channeling member 60 includes the body adhesive composition 80 described above, although tapes, strips, or other known methods may be used. The body adhesive composition 80 can be placed anywhere on the waste channel member 60 . In a preferred embodiment, body adhesive composition 80 is selectively placed on body surface 62 so that waste channeling member 60 is fixedly bonded to the body at a desired location (e.g., around the anus and/or urethra). on, without substantially hindering the solubility of the soluble material 66.

The waste channel member 60 may be of any shape and/or size. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the waste channel member 60 may be generally rectangular or generally hourglass shaped. However, other shapes including, but not limited to, circles, ovals, squares, etc. are also contemplated. Other more complex shapes are also possible which allow the waste passage member 60 to fit closely to different parts of the body, such as the anus, urethra or vagina. In a preferred embodiment, waste channel member 60 is rectangular and has dimensions of about 10 cm by about 30 cm.

The waste channel member 60 may also include other shaped or conformable members, such as elastic bands, slits, three-dimensional shaped members, and the like. Additionally, the waste channel member 60 may include fasteners to attach the waste channel member 60 to articles of manufacture, such as diapers, incontinence garments, underwear, and the like. Such fasteners may include, but are not limited to, buttons, zippers, tape, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, clasps, and the like.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (17)

1. An absorbent article having a first waist region, an opposite second waist region, a crotch region positioned between the first waist region and the second waist region, the article comprising: Liquid impermeable backsheet material; An absorbent article characterized in that the absorbent article comprises a directional preferential waste passage member having a body-facing surface and an opposite garment-facing surface, wherein at least a portion of the body-facing surface of the directional preferential waste passage member comprises a dissolvable material so that bodily exudates pass through the directional preferential waste passage member in a first direction away from the wearer's skin, at least a portion of the garment-facing surface of the directional preferential waste passage member includes a barrier material that prevents bodily exudates from traveling in contact with Penetration in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a waste-activated barrier disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region of the absorbent article; and An absorbent core positioned between the backsheet and the directional priority waste channel member. 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, further comprising a topsheet positioned between at least a portion of the directional preferential waste passage member and at least a portion of the absorbent core. 3. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a void between the directional preferential waste channeling member and the absorbent core when the article is worn. 4. The absorbent article of claim 1, further comprising a spacer between the directional preferential waste passage member and the absorbent core, the spacer spacing at least a portion of the directional preferential waste passage member when the article is worn Keep away from absorbent cores. 5. An article for preventing bodily exudates from contacting the skin of a wearer, characterized in that the article has: a directional priority waste channel member having a body-facing surface and an opposing garment-facing surface, A soluble material or an enzymatically degradable material that is degradable when contacted by an enzyme present in the bodily exudate is capable of dissolving at least a portion of the body-facing surface of the oriented preferential waste channeling member, thereby making the bodily exudate passing the preferential waste channeling member in a first direction away from the wearer's skin, and At least a portion of the garment-facing surface of the directional preferential waste channeling member includes a barrier material that prevents penetration of bodily exudates in a second direction opposite the first direction. 6. The article of claim 1 or 5, wherein the soluble material comprises a water soluble material, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, cellulosic material, starch, polyvinyl aniline, Polyacrylamides, alginates, and water-soluble alkyd compositions, and derivatives of these; or salt concentration sensitive materials, including crown ethers, which have a threshold at which soluble materials change from insoluble to soluble; or A temperature sensitive material, selected from the set consisting of: wax, pectin or gel, which has a threshold at which the soluble material changes from insoluble to soluble. 7. The article of claim 1 or 5, wherein the dissolvable material comprises a film. 8. The article of claim 1 or 5, wherein the soluble material comprises a pH sensitive material having a pH threshold for the soluble material to vary from insoluble to soluble, wherein the pH threshold is between 5.5 and 8.5 Among them, the dissolvable material is preferably selected from the group consisting of: polyacrylamide, phthalate derivatives, setting gel, shellac, keratin, cellulose derivatives, polyacrylic acid derivatives and acetic acid vinyl ester. 9. The article of claim 6 or 8, further comprising an enzyme disposed adjacent to the directional priority waste channel member, the enzyme affecting temperature, salt concentration in the article, pH changes when contacted by bodily exudates, Thereby changing the solubility of the soluble material. 10. The article of claim 6 or 8, further comprising a hydrolysis matrix arranged adjacent to the soluble material, and when hydrolyzed by feces enzymes, the hydrolysis matrix affects temperature, salt concentration in the article, pH changes, thereby Alter the solubility of soluble materials. 11. The article of claim 1 or 5, wherein the barrier material is selected from the group consisting of silicones, oils, waxes and polytetrafluoroethylene based compositions. 12. The article of claim 1 or 5, further comprising a body bonding composition disposed on or integral with the body-facing surface of the directional preferential waste passage member, the body bonding composition being removed from Choose from the following composition sets: gels, silicones, oils, hydrocolloids, and hydrogel binders. 13. The article of claim 12, wherein the body bonding composition is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the periphery of the body-facing surface of the directional preferential waste channeling member. 14. The article of claim 5, wherein the soluble or enzymatically degradable material is positioned such that it is adjacent the anus or urethra of the wearer when the article is worn. 15. The article of claim 5, wherein the directional preferential waste channel member comprises a mesh insoluble member having compartments, at least some of which are provided with soluble or enzymatically degradable material. 16. The article of claim 1 or 5, wherein the directional preferential waste passage member comprises at least one slit, aperture, perforation or weakened area. 17. The article of claim 1 or 5, wherein at least a portion of the directional preferential waste channeling member is elastically extensible.

Images